Buying a property involves several documents, such as the completion certificate, the occupancy certificate and the possession certificate. Check out the details of a possession certificate, its importance, the documents required to apply for it and the steps to follow to apply for a possession certificate.
What is a possession certificate?
A possession certificate is a government-recognised document that serves as proof that the ownership of the property has been transferred from the seller (promoter/developer) to the buyer. It includes the date of possession of the property by the buyer. A possession certificate is issued by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in urban areas and the Tahsildar in rural areas.
How is a possession certificate different from a possession letter?
A possession letter is given by the developer. The letter mentions that the property is being handed over to the buyer. However, this does not show legal ownership.
A possession certificate is required to show legal ownership of a property, which is issued by the local authorities.
Thus, a possession letter may show that you have charge of the property but you may need a possession certificate to prove ownership.
Importance of a possession certificate
Ownership proof: With the possession certificate, you are legally the owner of the property.
Home loan: If you are considering availing of a home loan, the possession certificate is one of the documents required by financial institutions/banks to disburse a home loan.
Selling property: When you sell your property, you should have a possession certificate that will show that you have the legal right to sell it.
Property enhancement: Once you have the possession certificate, you can make permissible enhancements to the property.
Renting the property: You can rent your property and earn an income.
What is a conditional possession certificate?
When a home buyer receives a possession certificate, however, has certain issues, such as incomplete or unsatisfactory construction, they can opt for a conditional possession certificate. Under this, a buyer can outline all the grievances regarding the property that have not been fulfilled by the developer and ask the developer to complete the work before you take possession. In case the developer fails to adhere to this, you may approach the court, based on the conditional possession certificate.
Documents required for a possession certificate
Identity proof: This can be any government-issued document, such as a passport, voting ID or driver’s license.
Address proof: Electricity bill, rental agreement, bank statement or telephone bill.
Bank account details: To specify the account from which the bank will deduct the payment.
Contents of a possession certificate
A possession certificate will include:
- Property description
- Additional things, such as parking space, as decided in the property contract
- The date of property possession
What are the steps to get a land possession certificate?
- Go to the Anchal Adhikari office or the Right to Public Service (RTPS) office and get an application form.
- You can download the possession certificate form from your state’s land revenue portal. Fill out the form and submit it at the required office.
- You will get an acknowledgement once the form is submitted and can be used to track the progress.
How can you apply for a possession certificate online?
- Log on to MeeSeva.
- Click on ‘Revenue’ and then on ‘Possession Certificate’.
- Enter the property details.
- Upload all the documents.
- Make the required payment.
- Once the payment is made, you will receive a payment acknowledgement.
How to check the status of the possession certificate?
- Go to your state’s e-district website and click on ‘Transaction History’.
- Enter the application number and you can view the status.
Alternatively,
- Go to the MeeSeva website.
- Click on ‘Track application status’.
- Enter the application number and track status.
Time taken to get a possession certificate
The time taken to get a possession certificate can vary and is based on the location, the project and the timelines followed by the municipal body. Generally, it may take around seven days.
What is an occupancy certificate?
An occupancy certificate certifies that the constructed project is fit for living. Without an occupancy certificate, one cannot move to a property to stay. This is because it may be unfit to stay and you may face the risk of eviction from the municipal body.
What is the difference between an occupancy and a possession certificate?
A possession certificate states that the property has been transferred from the seller to the buyer. An occupancy certificate mentions that the property is fit for living.
Housing News View Point
Many times, we overlook important documents that may not be given to us during possession; however, realty transactions depend on them. A possession certificate is one such legal document. Once the developer gets an occupancy certificate, the next step is to get a possession certificate. Do not ignore the possession certificate as it will help you during the home loan process and property sale in future.
FAQs
What is a possession certificate?
A possession certificate is a proof that a person has legal ownership of a property.
How do I get the proof of possession?
You can show proof of possession of a property with a possession certificate.
How can I get a possession certificate in Maharashtra?
To get a possession certificate in Maharashtra, go to the nearest Anchal Adhikari office or the Right to Public Service (RTPS) office where one can apply for the certificate.
Is a possession certificate important?
Yes, it is an important document which is required if you want to sell the property or avail of a home loan.
How much does a possession certificate cost?
The cost of getting a possession certificate depends on the type of possession certificate and the property location.
What happens if your possession certificate application is rejected?
In case of rejection, ask the local authority for the reason and apply again after rectifying the causes for rejection.
Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |